Newsletter

SOUTH AND SOUTHERN AFRICA NEWS

Leopards @ Ngala Private Game Reserve

Ngala Private Game Reserve seems to be South Africa's best kept leopard secret, having recently lured CC Africa's legendary leopard specialist, Greg Seymour, to their team based at Ngala Tented Safari Camp. Greg describes the early beginnings of his fascination with these elusive cats, "Growing up near Londolozi, leopards were notoriously known as a rare and elusive animal. It is always a privilege to see one."

Walking Safaris @ Phinda and Ngala Private Game Reserves

This is the season to be walking at Phinda and Ngala Private Game Reserves, with the cooler months making for a pleasant walking climate and the bushveld vegetation thinning out making sightings that much easier. Walking Safaris are an exceptional way to get a macro and micro view of nature. As a 4-day/3-night exhilarating walking adventure, this safari provides an unparalleled experience of seeing the incredible natural beauty of these reserve's on foot. The lush forests, pristine bushveld and captivating vleis are alive with birdsong, insects and the sounds of the South African bush.
Read more about CC Africa's Walking Safaris...

Zimbabwe's Majestic Matetsi

Zimbabweans are renowned for their customary warmth and hospitality accompanied by broad smiles and laughter. The staff at Matetsi are no different, consistently delighting the guests that visit their lodge alongside the powerful Zambezi River. Daily transfers from Matetsi Water Lodge to Victoria Falls, a short distance away, enable guests to witness the majestic views of the Falls, and take pleasure in shopping at the local market, before returning to the lodge in time for afternoon tea. Guest feedback says it best; Ramona and Mechthilde encompass the spirit of Matetsi, "You truly get spoiled at Matetsi Lodge. Truly the most memorable, words cannot describe."
More on Matetsi...

Walk the Wilds of Botswana - a CC Africa Expedition

In preparation of the forthcoming season, CC Africa's Botswana Expeditions staff are undergoing intensive training. Cate Davis, CC Africa's Group Chef Trainer, has been imparting her culinary knowledge and ensuring CC Africa's scrumptious Pan-African cuisine is enjoyed whilst on an Expedition in the wild open spaces of Botswana.

On CC Africa Expeditions in both Namibia and Botswana, guest safety is foremost, and all field staff undergo rigorous First Aid and Driving Skills training. With 33 years of expertise, we at CC Africa know that ultimately it is the experienced staff that deliver guest delight... and delight is what is guaranteed.

EAST AFRICA NEWS

The best kept secret in East Africa has to be the months of April and May allowing for an almost private experience of the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater and vast plains of the southern Serengeti. For the area's wildlife, it's a busy time. Soon after the rains arrive the CC Africa lodges in East Africa gear themselves for the arrival of the annual Great Migration - a sight which few get to experience but many wish to. Ngorongoro Crater Lodge remains open during these months and offers fantastic rates. The rains create a photographer's paradise filling the rivers, lakes and pans and creating vast green expanses.

More about the Great Migration...

SAFARI OFFERS

A reminder about our wonderful Safari Offer: Pick 2, Stay for 4, Pay for 3 at seven of our exceptional lodges. This fantastic offer is valid until 20 December 2005 so take advantage of it.

This exciting offer includes:
Four nights for the price of three at any combination of: Londolozi, Kwandwe, Ngala and Phinda Private Game Reserves, Madikwe Safari Lodge, Sossusvlei Mountain Lodge and Matetsi Game Lodges. This exciting offer includes Ngorongoro Crater Lodge in Tanzania and Kichwa Tembo in Kenya for the months of April and May 2005. Valid from 7 January to 20 December 2005.

For full details, click here ...

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Salad of Roasted Aubergine, Tomato and Mint
From the Kitchen Team @ Bongani Mountain Lodge, Mpumalanga

• 2 large aubergines
• 10 ml salt
• 1 orange
• 1 lemon
• 8 tomatoes - blanched, skins removed and diced
• 1 red onion - finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic - peeled and thinly sliced
• 20ml sesame seeds
• 125ml olive oil
• 10ml fresh thyme leaves
• 125ml fresh mint leaves - shredded

Dice aubergines into 2cm cubes, sprinkle with salt and leave for 15 minutes. Rinse briefly and dry on paper towel. Squeeze orange and lemon and set aside. In a bowl mix aubergines, half the tomatoes, red onion, garlic, sesame seeds, olive oil and thyme leaves. Roast on a tray in a preheated 200C oven for 25 minutes or until aubergines are thoroughly cooked. Remove from the oven, place in a glass bowl and toss with remaining tomatoes, mint, orange juice and lemon juice. Check for seasoning. Serve either hot as a vegetable or cold as a salad. Serves 4.

Serves 4